While packing supplies might seem expensive, having the right supplies to get the job done will help ensure that your belongings are protected and arrive at your new home in one piece. If you aren’t sure what all you’ll need for your move, here’s an overview of common packing supplies and their purposes to get you started:
Small/Medium Boxes
Smaller to medium sized boxes are perfect for packing heavier items like books, dishes, small appliances, and electronics. Packing these items in smaller boxes makes them easier to move and prevents the box from ripping under too much weight.
Large/X-Large Boxes
These boxes are perfect for lightweight items like pillows, bedding, lampshades, games, and toys. The key to bulkier boxes is not overloading. The last thing you want is to throw out your back trying to move a heavy box or having the bottom fall out because the items inside are too heavy.
Large moving boxes are perfect for packing light items like linens and pillows.
Picture Boxes
Protect your mirrors and large picture frames by purchasing picture boxes. These specialized boxes are thin, allowing you to pack a single picture in each one for complete protection.
Wardrobe Boxes
If you want to avoid having all your clothes arrive in a crumpled mess, wardrobe boxes are the perfect solution. Simply transfer your hanging clothes to a wardrobe box, which allows them to remain hanging for the duration of the move. When you go to unpack, you’ll have your closet put back together in no time!
Packing Paper
While newspaper works great for padding some items, you’ll want to avoid it when packing your dishes. Packing paper is like newsprint, but without the messy ink that rubs off on your hands and stains your china. Use it to wrap not only your dishes, but glasses, pictures, collectibles, and any other delicate items that need extra protection. Packing paper can also be crumpled up and placed in the top of boxes to fill empty space. Making sure items are snuggly packed in each box prevents shifting and breakage during transport.
Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap serves a similar purpose to packing paper, but is even better at cushioning fragile items that might need a little extra protection like wine glasses and other breakables. Plus, who doesn’t love the satisfaction of popping it when you’re finished using it?
Basic Toolkit
During a move, it’s always useful to have a basic toolkit on hand for small projects like taking down curtain rods and shelving or removing picture hooks from the walls. Toolkits are also useful for disassembling furniture, like beds and tables that should be taken apart for safe transport.
Having a basic toolkit on hand will make it easier to take down curtains rods and picture hooks.
Plastic Baggies
Purchasing a box of plastic baggies could be the best couple of dollars you spend on your move. Plastic bags are perfect for keeping little parts, like the hardware from your furniture or your shower rod hooks, from getting lost in the shuffle. Once you’ve disassembled an item, place all the items in a bag and attach to the piece of furniture using tape or stretch wrap.
Stretch Wrap
Stretch wrap is a great tool used by most moving professionals. It’s just as effective as tape in most situations, but won’t leave sticky residue or damage the surface of your furniture because it only sticks to itself. Stretch wrap can be used for a variety of purposes: use it for bundling together the legs from a table or the parts of a bed frame, wrap it around a utensil tray to keep utensils in place, or wrap it around your dresser to keep drawers in place.
Tape and Tape Dispenser
Make sure to have a few rolls of packing tape on hand for assembling and sealing your boxes. A tape dispenser makes the task much easier because it enables you to keep one hand on the tape and the other on the box.
Labels and Permanent Markers
As soon as you finish packing a box, you’ll want to label it right away with a detailed description of its contents as well as what room it should go to in your new home. This will make it easy for your movers to set boxes in the right place the first time, and will help you locate items as you unpack.
With the right packing supplies, you’ll be able keep everything organized as you pack and ensure your belongings are protected for a better moving experience.
